Many Parts, One Body

In order for something to operate correctly, all parts perform important functions. Every Christian is important too, because they are all part of one body: the Church.

TOPICS:

Acceptance, Body of Christ, Individuality, Serving, Spiritual Gifts

MATERIALS:

Ballpoint pen, (clicking type)Sheet of paper to write on

DURATION:

Approximately 6 minutes

PREPARATION:

Before class, take the ballpoint pen apart and remove the spring and then put the pen back together without the spring. Keep the spring handy, where you can find it easily.

WHAT YOU WILL SAY:

I am sure everyone knows what this is. Yes, it is a ballpoint pen. What do you think the most important part of this pen is? (Allow for answers.)

Many of you said, "the ink." That is a common answer. Let's see how useful this ballpoint pen is. I need someone to volunteer to write with this pen, and see if it works properly.

Let several kids try to use the pen. They will conclude something is broken, or perhaps some may realize the spring is missing. Take the pen back.

Yes, the reason this pen is not working properly is that it is missing a part. It may seem like an insignificant part, but the pen cannot work without it. It is the spring! I have it here in my pocket.

Insert the spring back into the pen, and let a few children confirm that it is now working properly.

This kind of pen needs all of its parts to work properly. Some parts may seem important, like the ink, while others may seem unimportant, like the spring, but if any of the pieces are missing the pen will not work. In God's church, all Christians are important. Everyone has a purpose. Some people may seem more important, but without everyone, the Church just would not function.

The Bible says, "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).